Moving-picture-projecting apparatus.



G. DIETZ.

MOVING PIGTUPP PPOJPGTPNG APPARATUS,

APPLICATION FILED APR.29,1910. 1,017,250, Patented Feb.13,1912.

4 SHEETSfSHEBT 1.

Attest Z WM inventar;

by @www da Atty Gr, DIE'IZ,

` MOYEN@ PICTURE'ROJEGTLWR APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILMy im'. 29, 1910.

" Inventor Maike/M, by v *f5/d Amy,

G. DIETZ.

MOVING PICTURE PROJECTING APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILED APB.29, 1910.

ma mf 31m JJ i E .ww

M fr w C /w a Inventor: @am

da Atty by K1 Attest' I G. DIETE.

MOVING PICTURE PPOJBGTING APPARATUS.

APPLTCATION FILED APR.29,1910,

1,017,256, Patented Feb. 13,1912.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

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Inventor "wij: R' MfAtly -Unirian siniiss f iraniens-trani fewest-negri uit i it it i il@ -Ligia/lie GUSTAV DIETZ, F YGN'KERS, NE'W Yll.l

EFIG'VINSJP'ICIUREPRJECTINGf APPARTS.

Application filed .April 2B, 1910.

T0 aZZ whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, Gusrav DIETZ, a citizen of the United States, residing at Yonkers, in the county of Vestchester and State of New York, have invented-certain new and useful Improvements in Moving-Picture-Projecting Apparatus, of which the following is a specilication.

This invention relatesto a dimming device designed to be used on moving picture projecting apparatus. 1

The object of the invention is to providel means. for neutralizing the disagreeable flicker which obtains when the rapid intermittent projections of successive views are thrown upon a screen. To a certain extent,

this flicker is diminished by the continu` ously rotating fly shutters which, in the present state of the art, are commonly interposed between the lens system and the screen, but when such device is used a flicker still persists and it is the purpose of this invention to removethis by providing means whereby the light projecting Jrom the lens is never completely cut oil' but is only dimmed andv further whereby a strong light flash is developed while the Flin is moving at its greatest speed.

To gain the .result of liickerless .light action on the screen, the' mechanism asdescribed in my'application #558,098 for patent for photographic' shutter, filed Apr. 28,'

of admitted light, whereby the vibrationsl are in such quick succession as to fail to'.

affect the eye of the observer.

In 'the drawings, Figure 1 is a side elevation partial vertical section 'of a por- -t'ion or a moving picture projecting apparatu,C embodying the invention; Fig. 2 is a front view of the same. Fig. 3 isa frontview of the positions of the dimming blades when the least amo-unt. of light is permitted to pass through-them and the filmsta'rts to move;` Figi 4 is a similar' view of such po,I

sit-ions when a' flash of' light fis passing at the middle of the movement of the Yfilm; Fig.

,Specification of Letters Patent.

'- i 4., n a IN1' s animated Een. it, l-Utta seriai iid 558,356.

5 is a similar view of such positions during the end of the movement ot' the ilm, only a small amount of light being permitted to pass; Fig. 6 is a similar view ot' such positions when the next succeeding' image on the lni is at rest and the vfullest amount of light is permitted to pass; Fig. 7 is a similar view of such positions when the smaller ends ot' the blades are all turned toward the center and a'small amount of light only is permit ted to pass,ithe lilni being at rest as in Fig. 6; Fig. 8 is a similar view of such positions as the light aperture is diminishing, the iilm yet remaining at rest and Fig. 9 is a diagram ci? "the successive positions in its circular path ot the center of one of the diniming blade pinions.

In the drawings, 10 represents a portionn of the frame of a moving picture projecting l titl apparatus of any usual form, 'il represents a vertically downwardly moving ilm of the usual type comprising a transparent ribbon on which are reprinted the views a b c to be successively projected upon the screen located to the tar left of the apparatus. The .screen is not shown and neither is" the source of light from whichthe rays pass through the film as these elementsare well known to those skilled in the artand forni no part ot' the invention.

The mechanism'whereby an intermittent lmotion is communicated to the lilni is in dicated at 12; and 13 is a beveled gear meshing with a gear 14 forming part of such mechanism, and given thereby a continuous rotary motion which is communicated to a shaft 15 mounted to turn in bearings formed in the frame 10 and to the outer `and oi which is mounted a driving. pinion 16 adapted to mesh with the teeth -17 of an annular carrier 18 mounted to rotate on ball bearings' indicated at 19 and ruiming in a lraceway formed in the edge of a cylindrical drum or casing 20.

In the annular carrier 18 are apertures spaced apart at regular intervals forming journal bearing surfaces in which are adapted to rotate pivots 21 of outwardly projecting pinions 22 to the outer faces of which are secured dimming blades 23.

A stationary aiinulus 24: is secured to the frame 10 by screws 25, or in any other conf venient manner. The inner periphery of this annulus is provided with teeth 26 adapted to mesh with the teeth of the pinions 22, so that as the annular carrier 18 is moved, and the iioy Fill

pinions 22 are moved with it, the engagement of such, pinions with the teeth 26 of the stationaryY gear 2icauses the pinions to be rotated and consequently causes the rotation of the dimming blades secured thereto.

llllie dimming blades 23 are of peculiar torni. They are formed essentially of tivo parts, a nari-ovv Wing and a Wide Wing. Illie narrow Wing is arranged at one side oli the center of rotation, its sides gradually approaching'each other and terminating in a circular arc. The Wide Wing 31 is of dovetailed shape With flaring sides terminating in a circular with a central recess er cutoiit indicated and is arranged at the opposite side of the center et rotation. lie Wide Wing is in edectcomposed of tivo smaller Wingsarranged at an acute angle and overlapping except at their extremities.

As a continuous rotary motion is imparted to the driving pinion 16 and annular carrier 18, the pinions 21 are carried around in a circular path concentric 'with the lens aXis which is also coincident with the longitudi- .nal axis olf the drum 2G and With the center .olf each successive image oi" the film when it yis brought to rest after its intermittent motion.

Designating' this central point as and the horizontal plane passing through ity as 3/-g/, there is shown in Figs. 3 to 3 inclusiv-e, the different relative positions of the dimming blades and film images when the apparatus described is employed con'iprising four blades moving over the paths described-` ln these Figs. 3 to 8 the different blades are designated 231, 232, 233 23d.

ln Fig. .9 there are radii designated from to l0 showing, with respect to the. central 'plane g/fgf, the successive positions oit' the center of the piiiion of the blade as it is moved in the annular carrier 13 and simultaneously rotated. 1

in' Fig. 3 it will be noticed that the blade 231 has its pinion center in the radial plane 1-41 which is at the same angle ivith the plane g/ y as the radius 1 in Fig. The center of the pinion of the blade`233 is also in this same plane. At the saine time the centers of the piiiions of the blades 232 and 234 must necessarily be in the plane of the radius 10 of F ig. 9. lllhen the blades are in this position the picture or image a on the film l1 is at rest and the least amount of light is permitted to pass through the center coinciding with the lens axis, rlhat is, 'the blades have dimmed' the pic ture on the screen by shutting eil' the light to a great extent but not coiiipietely.

fn (l, the rotation of the annular carrier 18 has moved the blade 231 to such a position that its pinion center is in the radial lane 2-2 and the pinion centers of each o the other lades have been advanced lireugh the same angle or are. The blades nordsee have each` been rotated so that the centers of their Wide Wings are in opposing relations. rlhis brings the indentations or cutouts in opposing relations and allows atlash or increase of light to pass to the screen. But in the meantime the film moving mechanism has been operated and has moved the view a downwardl so that the border line between it and the next view Z) is on alevel vvitli the central plane y-g/ and, just as the blades reach their central positions, the ilm is moving at its greatest speed and this border line is in its central position. The liash of light through the star shaped opening thus formed between the blades serves edsctually to disguise the movement. of the film and the transition on the screen from the picture a to the picture Zi, because the flash too quick to allovv the movement of the lilin to be perceived.

Vlflhile the film is moving from the position shown in Fig. 4 to that shown in Fig` 5, the pinion vof the blade 231 has moved from the radial plane 2 2 to the radial plane 3+3 and the blades have revolved into the posit-ions shoivn in Fig. 5. In other VYWords, after the iilinlias passed its center of movement and is coming to rest opposite the center of the vieiv the blades have moved to dim the light but to evenv and distribute itby allowing it to pass between the edges of the blade as Well as at the central point The lilm moving mechanism then brings the picture l) to rest opposite the plane y-g/, and When this occurs, as shown `in Fig. 6, the pinion center oi' the blade 231 has been moved to the radial plane ll and the vdimming blades have been rotated so that hthere is bet-Ween them the' greatest amount of space possible and practically the Afull amount of light is allowed to pass to impress upon the eye the picture formed on the screen.

The apparatus is so constructed that the film 1l remains at rest until the series of blades are brought to their initial positions, so that While this occurs the center of the pinion 231 must advancevfrom the radial f plane l-wtlirough the radial planes 5, 6, 7

and 3 to 10. Euring such-inoveifiient however the blades continue to revolve causing a dimming of tl'ievlight When they arrive at the middle of the film restneriod and this pinion 231 is at the plane 6-*6 see Fig. 7) and causing the admission of the light When the pinion is at the plane 8 8 (see Fig. 8) and the eye is perceiving the picture b al.-

vmost fully illuminated just as it is about tc be moved. B vthis construction there is secured all of the advantages of the usual anti-flicker shutter which alternately completely excludes and completely admits the light with the added advantage that the transitions froinfiill to a lesserillumination are never abrupt, but are gradual'and with the further advantage thiat the transition .from one picture to another is disguised by a Hash yor increase of light; and the fullest .f at rest and accurately positioned at the center of the lens system. 'Ihe iash produced moreover is automatically secured at the proper time during Ithe dimming operation and withoutvarying theintensity of the light illuminating the back of the film.

Because of the fact that when the described device is employed the light is never Acompletely excluded from the screen but is 15 only dimmed, this device has been called a dimmer rather than a shutter which completely shuts oit all illumination at some time during the film exposure.

It will be understood that wide variations may be made in the details of the apparatus embodying the invention without departing from its essential principles, and thatthe number of blades and their size, shape and relative positions may likewise be varied. Y

What I claim as new is l. In an apparatus of the character described a series of blades, and means for rotating them in unison, the radius of each blade being shorter than the distance between its axis and the axial line of the lr is.

2. In an apparatus of the character 5fscribed a series of blades, mounted in symmetrical positions in a circle around the axial line of the lens and means for rotating them in unison, the radius` of each blade being shorter than the distance between its axis and the axial line' of the lens.

3. In'an apparatus of the character described, a series of blades arranged in pairs in opposing positions and means for rotating the blades .of each pair in' unison, the radius of each blade being shorter than the distance between its axis. and the axial line of the lens.

4. In an apparatus of the character described a series of blades arranged in. pairs in opposing positions and means for rotating the blades of each pair in unison, the blades of each pair being arranged to cause their center lines to be in line with the center of the lens at the same time, the radius of each blade being shorter than the .distancey between its axis and the axial line of the lens.

5. In an apparatus of the character described a series of blades mounted in symmetrical positions in a circle around the axial line otl the lens and arranged in pairs in opposing positions and means for rotating the blades 'of each pair in unison, the radius of each blade being shorter than the distance between its axis and the axial vline of the lens.

scribed, a series ot blades, mounted on pivots symmetrically arranged around the axial `line of the lens, and means tor rotating said blades in unison, the blades being shapedto overlap 'each other during thev` rotation and always to permit of thedirect passage of some light therethrough.

7. In an apparatus of the character described, a series of blades arranged in symmetricalr vpositions around a common center coincident with the lens axis, andmeans for moving them in unison, each blade having a wide wing and a narrow wing and so placed that when the longitudinal axes of opposite blades are in line the blades do not overlap.-v v

8. In an apparatus of the character described, a series of blades arranged in symmetrical positions around a common center coincident with the lens axis, and means for moving them in unison, each blade having a wide wing and a narrow wing and so placed that when the longitudinal axes of opposite blades are in line the blades do not touch each other.

' 9. In an apparatus of the character described, a series of blades arranged in symmetrical positions around a common center coincident with the lens axis, and means for' moving them in unison, each blade having a wide wing and a narrowwing and so placed that when the longitudinal axes of opposite blades are in line the blades do not touch each other, one wing of each blade having a recess.

l0. In an apparat-us of4 the character described, a series of blades arranged in symmetrical positions in pairs around a common center coincident withthe lens axis and means for moving them in unison, each blade having a wide wing and a narrow wing and each so placed witlrrespect tothe opposite blade of the series that when their longitudinal axes are in line their wings do not touch.

11. In an apparatus of the characterdescribed, a series of blades arranged in symmetrical positions in pairs around a common center coincident with the lens axis,

and means for moving them in unison, each.

and means for moving them in unison, .each

'blade having a wide wing and a narrow wing and each sc placed with respect 4.tofftlie opposite blade of the series that when their longitudinal axes are in line their wings do not touch, the Wide Wing of each blade being centrally recessed at its extremity,

whereby when the narrow Wings `are turned toward the common center there is a small amount of light permitted to pass' and When the Wide Wings are so turned there is a larger amount of light permitted to pass.

. 13. In an apparatus of the kind described comprising anintermittently moving film, a

series of continuously moving opaque bladespletely, and means for rotating the blades in unison.

15. In an apparatus of" the kind described comprising an intermittently moving film, a series of continuously rotating opaque blades shaped to vary the amount ot' light passing from the film but never to cut it off completely, and means for rotating the blades in unison.

15. In an apparatus of the kind described comprising an intermittently moving film, a series of continuously moving dimming blades shaped to partially shut off the light passing from the film and to permit a fiash to pass ,during the film movement to disguise said movement, and means for moving` the blades in unison.

1T. In an apparatus of the kind described 'comprising an intermittently ino-ving film, a series4 of continuously moving dimming blades shaped to partially shut oii the light passing frein the film and to permit a flash to pass at about the middlev of the film movement to disguise said movement, and means for moving the blades in unison.

18. In an apparatus of the kind described comprising an intermittently moving film, a series of continuously moving dirmning blades shaped to partially shut oft' the light passing from the film during the j greater part of the film exposure and to per- Vmit a greater amount of light to pass at about the center` of the film` movement to disguise said movement, and means for moving the blades in unison.

19. In an apparat-us of the kind described comprising an` intermittently moving film, al series of continuously lmoving dimming blades each having a Wide Wing land a narrow Wing `and means for moving the bladesin unison' and bringing the Wide Wings into opposing relation when Vthe film 2f). In an. apparatus of the kind` de Loizeau and a narrow iving and means for moving v the blades in unison and bringing the Wide wings into opposing relation when the film is moving and the narrow Wings into opposing relation when the film is at rest.

22. In an apparatus of the kind described co'= g an 'intermittently moving film, a seies of continuously moving dimn'ung blades each having a Wide Wing or-.f .ving and means for bringing the Wide into oppof relation When the film moving, each iride .ving having a cut out to permit the passage of more light atthat time to disguise said movement, and means for moving the blades in unison.

23. In an ai iaratus ot Athe kind dei scribed comprising an intermittently moving film, a series of movable dimming blades and means for me"^ blade 'l /idcd with wings whereby when the film at rest and one set of Wings are relatioira small amount of light i l en e iilm is moving and in such relation a is admitted to disthe-ilm.

dus of. the .kind de- K iittently movl ies of movable dimming blades and means for moving them in unison, each blade provided with Wings whereby when the film is at rest and one set of Wings are elation small amount of light i t f. ie film is moving and another set of Wings are in Hsuch relation a flash of ligi'it isA admitted to disguise the movement oit the film.

i. g blade for a projecting apparatus comprising tivo Wings one on each side of the center oit rotation of the blade, one wing gradually increasing and the other Wing gradually decreasing in Width from said center.

.26. A dimming blade for a projecting apparat-usV comprising 'tiro Wings one on each side of the center of rotation of the blade, one vWing gradually inoreasii and the other Wing gradually Ydecreasing in Width from said center, botii 'wings being bounded by circular arcs having their centers in the vcien-A ter of rotation el:4 the blade.

and a n;

fr them in unison, eachr lll() 2i. A dimming for projectingv ap-l one wing one wing graduali?7 increasing and the other wlng gra uallyv ecreasing 1n width from said center, the wider wing being recessed centrally at its outer edge.

' 28 A dimming blade for a projecting apparatus comprismg two wings one on each side of the center of rotation of the blade, one Wingl gradually increasing 'and the other wing gradually-decreasing 1n width fromsaid center, the larger wing having a centraally placed vV-shaped recess at its outer e e. l

29. A dimmingblade for a projecting apparatus comprising two wings onel on each side 'ofthe -center of rotation of the blade, -gr duall ,increasing and the other wng gra u ally ecreasing 1n width Afrom sai center, both wings beingbounded by -circular arcs -havin their centers in the cen- .ter of rotation of t e blade, the wider wing being recessed centrally .at its outer edge.

30. A dimmin blade for-a projecting apparatus comprising two wings one on each side of the center of rotation of the'blade and each blade havl one wing radua'lly increasing and the other 'wing gra ually decreasing 1n Width'` from fsaid center, both `vv-ings'being bounded by circular arcs having their centers in the center of rotation of the blade, the'larger wing having'a centrally placed V-shaped recess at yits outer edy e.

31. A series of. dimming blades, each se-v cured to a rotatable pinion', means for moving the series bodily in a curved path,fand mea-ns for simultaneously rotating each inion at a uniform rate of speed, each b ade havlng a-wide wlng and a narrow wlng substantially at va rig neighbors.`

32. A series of dimming blades,` each I cured to a rotatable pinion, means for movits-longitudinal axis t angle to that o f its` ingtlieseri-es bodily in a curved path, "and 4means for simultaneously rotating each inion at a uniform rate of speed, each b ade having a wide wing and a narrow wing the wide wing being recessed at its outer end.

33. A series of dimming blades', leach secured to a rotatable pinion, means for movy ing the series bodily in a curvedpath', and

means for simultaneously rotating each pinion at a unifornirate of speed, each blade having a wide wing and a narrow Wing and each blade having its longitudinal axis substantially at a right angle to that of .its neighbors, the Wide Wing being centrally recessed at its' outer end.

34. In an vapparatus of the kind described,

means4 for dimming but notI totally excluding the light from the screen in combination with means for roducing a fiashv of light upon the screen uring the movement of the lm to disguise-the movement.

35. In an apparatus of the kind described,

ment of the ilm.

l In testimony whereof I aflix my signature in presence of two witnesses.l

GUsrAv DITZ..

Witnesses;

` CHAS. G. KELLER, E. L. PEEBLER.

while most diminished4 to disguise the move- 

